H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Edrees has officially taken on his role today, Friday August 29, 2025, as the new Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU) to the United Nations (UN), following his appointment by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Addressing the staff members during an introduction Team Meeting at the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations, Ambassador Edrees, at his first staff meeting, set the tone for his priorities and expectations during his mandate, with the view to enhancing AU’s engagement with the UN. He called on all the staff to put hands on deck, in order to ensure a successful participation of the AU delegation, to the upcoming 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High Level Plenary Meetings scheduled for 22 to 30 September 2025 at the United Nations headquarters, under the theme: “Better Together; 80 years and more for Peace, Development and Human Rights”. The AU Permanent Observer to the UN, was delighted to meet and engage with his staff to whom he outlined the following advice:
Collective Purpose: Emphasizing the vital role each staff member plays in advancing the AU's mission to promote peace, security, and development across Africa, among other flagship projects under the Africa Agenda 2063.Unity and Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among staff to leverage diverse skills and perspectives in achieving common goals for the Organisation.
Commitment to Africa: Reinforcing the commitment to addressing the continent's challenges, such as poverty, health crises, and climate change, and how their work contributes to the betterment of African lives.
Innovation and Adaptability: Motivating staff to embrace new ideas and approaches in their work, reflecting the dynamic nature of global challenges.
Recognition and Growth: Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of staff, while encouraging professional development and growth within the Organization.
It is worth noting that, H.E Ambassador Mohamed Edrees succeeds H.E. Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, who successfully concluded her tour of duty.
Ambassador Edrees previously held several senior diplomatic positions, including the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UN, as well as the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Mohamed Edrees was a member of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board, on Effective Multilateralism to review the UN’s peacebuilding architecture.
With extensive experience in peacekeeping, foreign affairs and international diplomacy, Amb. Edrees is known for his expertise in conflict resolution, and diplomatic negotiations. He has been involved in critical discussions on regional security and economic development, among others.
In addition to his diplomatic roles, H.E Ambassador Mohamed Edrees has contributed to academic discourse on international relations, often sharing his insights and experiences through lectures and publications. His dedication to diplomacy and international cooperation has earned him recognition both within Egypt and on the global stage.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, and Communication Adviser of the Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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